Chbosky To Helm “Evan Hansen” Musical

Stephen Chbosky (“Wonder,” “Perks of Being a Wallflower”) is in early negotiations to direct “Dear Evan Hansen,” a film adaptation of the smash-hit musical at Universal Picture.

The story follows themes of teen suicide and mental illness and follows a high schooler who’s plagued with social anxiety, eventually making up a story to befriend the family of a classmate of his who had committed suicide.

The musical won multiple Tony Awards last year including Best Musical and best actor & actress for Ben Platt and Rachel Bay Jones. It’s uncertain id Platt will reprise his role on the big screen.

Marc Platt and Adam Siegel wil produce and musical writers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul will executive produce. Steven Levenson, who penned the original book and the musical’s book, is expected to write the script. No official start date has been set.